Tour Details
- Duration
- 3 hours
- Product Type
- Tour
- Venues
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- Washington Square Park
- Bleecker Street
- Church of St. Luke's
- Triangle Shirtwaist Factory
Photos & Highlights
- Keep up with the times as you explore one of NYC's cultural neighborhood
- Led by an urban historian
Select a date
Tour Description
With its meandering streets, vibrant history, and a strong sense of community, Greenwich Village remains distinct within New York City. During this Greenwich Village walking tour, we explore the history of this enigmatic neighborhood, from its Native American roots, through the Dutch tobacco farms and the English estates of "Green Wich," to the emergence of the Bohemian Village of the '60s.
Itinerary Detail
Our time together begins at the Jefferson Market Library, formerly a district courthouse, where women of the Garment industry often held protests–seeking to gain increased wages, reduced working hours, and union representation. From here, we venture to Stonewall Inn, where many of the nation's first gay rights activists gathered, marched, grieved, and fought for equal treatment under the law.
Our journey continues as we reach Cherry Lane Theatre, which has been the oldest continuously running off-Broadway theater since 1923. From here we venture further into the neighborhood to experience Minetta Lane, which has borne witness to the daily lives of authors such as Walt Whiteman and singer-songwriters such as Bob Dylan. During this tour, we’ll also venture through the campus of the famed New York University – learning about many of the scholars and workers who have grown from these classrooms to become change-makers in our global community.
The highlight of this tour will be Washington Square Park. Here we pause to learn about the Native American village which once occupied this circle. We’ll learn about the Park’s storied history as the site of countless important protests and social movements throughout the nation’s history. Our tour concludes as we move towards the Washington Mews–a former row of stables transformed into the studios of famous artists.
FAQ
Where do we meet? Where does the walk end?
Generally speaking, the walk begins near Jefferson Market Library. Your confirmation email will have the exact meeting point details along with a map.
What if it’s raining?
Tours operate rain or shine, but in the case of inclement weather, your guide will modify the tour so more time is spent indoors. It never hurts to have an umbrella on hand.
Is this tour good for kids?
Yes! We have some excellent family-friendly guides who can appeal to the learning styles of children. Please book privately if you have children under 13. Feel free to provide us with information about your children such as favorite school subjects, and hobbies. This way we can match you with the best possible guide.
Is this a walking intensive tour?
This walk covers a small radius in the West Village, and some streets and sidewalks can be uneven. There are occasional opportunities to sit, use the bathroom, and get something to drink if needed. Please contact us with any questions; we will be happy to advise if this tour will be appropriate for you.
Where You'll Start
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57 Reviews
Reviews can only be left by Context customers after they have completed a tour. For more information about our reviews, please see our FAQ.
Robert was an excellent guide, who brought the rich history of Greenwich Village alive.
Rebecca
Nov 15, 2024
This tour through the Village allowed me to have a comprehensive view of the neighborhood, its dazzling cultural life and its complex history — from the early presence of the Native Americans, going through the tobacco farms of the Dutch and the estates of the English, to the bohemian effervescence of the '60s and its role in the gay rights movement —. The conversation flowed naturally, unrestrained by any formal script, and spanned across several engaging subjects. Michele was always open to discuss any matter that came up and provide further details about the venues. Also commendable was her eagerness to share her knowledge, as well as her availability to answer my questions and to delve deeper into the points I was most interested in. Not once did she adopt a professorial posture, which put me at ease and made me very comfortable to share my ideas and impressions. Furthermore, her connection with the neighborhood allowed her to draw a lively and colorful portrait of life in the Village. This tour was the best way possible to approach Greenwich Village and its intricacies.
Henry
Oct 29, 2024
Brad is the best! He gave my group the best tour of the West Village you can imagine--combining social history, literary sights and a good dose of Dylan and positively 4th Street. Highest recommendation--for out of towners or city natives--Brad's love of history shines through and is a blessing.
Sean
Sep 23, 2024
